Northeastern University

3D Laser Scanning Case Study: Northeastern University

This case study provides a detailed look at how Existing Conditions partnered with Northeastern University and LeMessurier to capture accurate building documentation with 3D laser scanning and drone surveying for five campus buildings.

Academic institutions can stay ahead of the curve in the building industry by integrating cutting-edge technology into their design and construction workflows. LeMessurier is at the forefront of this transformation, utilizing 3D laser scanning and drone technology to enhance efficiency, reduce uncertainty, and accelerate project timelines.

Before the advent of newer technologies like laser scanning and BIM (Building Information Modeling), design relied heavily on guesswork and incomplete documentation, often leading to delays and inefficiencies. However, with these innovations, LeMessurier has significantly streamlined its process, improving accuracy and decision-making.

3D laser scanning captures comprehensive site details that may otherwise be overlooked during traditional site visits. This precise data is instrumental in design development, ensuring that every aspect is accounted for before construction begins.

The collaboration between LeMessurier and Existing Conditions highlights the transformative impact of technological advancements in the design process. By partnering with experts in laser scanning, BIM modeling, and drone technology, firms can streamline workflows, enhance project outcomes, and drive innovation in the industry.

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Scope of Work

1st Phase of 3D Laser Scanning

In November 2021, LeMessurier and Northeastern University partnered with Existing Conditions to complete an exterior building survey and capture drone imagery of The Mugar Life Sciences Building.

LeMessurier was coordinating HVAC ductwork on the roof plane, requiring accurate as-built conditions to ensure proper installation, functionality, and compliance with building codes. The design team also needed to move rooftop units upward to include a new roof assembly and identify abandoned equipment and piping that could be removed.

The building, which was constructed over three different periods, contained an intricate rooftop filled with HVAC units, ductwork, piping, and complicated roof slopes.

Existing Conditions utilized a Leica RTC360 Laser Scanner and the DIJI Mavic Air 2 Drone to survey and capture exterior building details with 2-6mm accuracy.  

Exterior building project scope included exterior walls, material changes, windows, doors, curtain walls, seals, water tables, loading docks, parapets, canopies, exterior stairs, and points of access to the roof. Roof documentation included skylights, hatches, access points, vent pipes, roof drains, decks, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.

2nd Phase of 3D Laser Scanning

In the summer of 2022, Existing Conditions, LeMessurier, and Northeastern University collaborated on a second phase of 3D laser scanning surveys. Existing Conditions documented the as-built conditions and obtained drone imagery of the following buildings: Cabot Physical Education Center, Stearns Center, and Stetson Hall East & Stetson Hall West.

The project involved comprehensive 3D laser scanning and BIM to document existing conditions and inform the renovation process.

The Cabot Physical Education Center renovation project encompassed a new 2,300-square-foot weight room, modern locker rooms, a new academic center, complete with study halls and conference rooms, and updated mechanical systems.

The Stearns Center was planning renovations to upgrade the HVAC system, construct new walls and partitions, and install new finishes throughout. Additionally, a conference room was being designed with state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities.

Stetson Hall East & West was retrofitting the main level with contemporary social and study spaces. The renovation included the removal of outdated infrastructure and finishes.

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Deliverables:

• 3D Revit Model: A detailed digital 3D representation of the five campus buildings helped to understand complexities and apply data-driven solutions to design plans.
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• Drone Survey: Aerial data, including high-resolution images, videos, and LiDAR data helped to create accurate 2D and 3D models and maps of the buildings, providing valuable insights into the relationships between different parts of the building, especially when initiating tasks such as coordinating ductwork on the roof plane.
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The Challenge

The projects each presented a range of unique obstacles, but through careful planning, LeMessurier was able to receive the high-quality data and imagery required to successfully execute building renovations.

One of the primary challenges stemmed from LeMessurier’s reliance on PDF existing building drawings, which were outdated and inaccurate. These outdated PDFs made it difficult to develop precise renovation plans, requiring the Existing Conditions team to conduct thorough and accurate scans to fill in missing details.

The firm faced difficulties in accurately interpreting the building’s construction history due to its complex structure and various additions over time. To move forward efficiently, they needed a comprehensive and reliable understanding of the building’s existing conditions.

Another significant challenge was the tight timeline—they had five days to complete scans of the five buildings. This constraint demanded efficient workflows, seamless coordination, and a well-structured approach to data collection to ensure timely and accurate results.

The urban environment of the campus introduced additional complexities, particularly for drone operations. Navigating the city’s dense infrastructure and high pedestrian traffic required detailed planning to ensure safe and effective drone flights. Also, the number of trees on campus presented obstacles for capturing exterior imagery.

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The Solution

To meet LeMessurier’s request for documentation of The Mugar Life Sciences Building, Cabot Physical Education Center, Stearns Center, Stetson Hall East, and Stetson Hall West, Existing Conditions deployed a team of professionals with Leica RTC360 laser scanners to capture high-resolution, color-accurate scans.

With the primary drone survey’s focus on capturing the buildings’ exterior envelope, Existing Conditions was able to carefully plan the flight to work around these challenges and capture comprehensive site data. The DIJI Mavic Air 2 Drone captured aerial video and imagery while navigating challenges posed by the city environment and high pedestrian traffic. To ensure a safe and effective capture process, Existing Conditions scheduled the flights during low-traffic hours, to successfully navigate tree cover and circumvent pedestrians.

LeMessurier leveraged Existing Conditions' data quickly and efficiently to move forward with their design process. By utilizing 3D Revit models and drone video and images, the firm was able to receive the buildings’ history, analyze materials, joints, and seams, and make informed design decisions.

The 3D Revit models recorded the as-built details of Stetson Hall East and West, which, while appearing similar, were constructed at different times with distinct assembly systems. Existing Conditions helped LeMessurier to identify these differences and gain a comprehensive understanding of the mirrored buildings.

LeMessurier was able to export 2D drawings from the 3D Revit model, such as exterior elevations and roof plans, to inform of important details such as HVAC system layout.

This client was able to receive high-quality, precise drawings, models, and imagery to support their design process and bring their renovation plans to life.

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Case Study Video

This case study video provides a detailed look into the Existing Conditions collaboration with LeMessurier and Northeastern University, showcasing how 3D laser scanning and drone imagery can document accurate building details and help inform LeMessurier's analysis and design process.

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How This Project Was Unique

Existing Conditions was able to successfully collect accurate scan data using Leica RTC360 laser scanners. The team had to access roofs, and navigate various roof heights and types, as well as work around equipment like HVAC and MEP equipment.‍

With careful planning and navigation, Existing Conditions was able to deliver accurate 3D Revit models that enabled LeMessurier to extract critical information about the building's conditions.

This project marks the beginning of an archival process for the University, which is becoming increasingly popular in other universities as well. Despite the simplicity of the buildings' geometry, having this the buildings mapped in terms of latitude, longitude, elevation, and space is highly significant. With this data, the University can create a campus-wide 3D model that will be invaluable for future construction, containing building layout, square footage, and other relevant information.

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History of Northeastern University

Northeastern University was founded in 1898 as the Evening Institute for Younger Men by the YMCA of Boston. Its original mission was to provide education to working-class men in the Boston area. The Institute initially offered courses in law, business, and accounting. Over time, the school began to expand its academic offerings and student body, becoming Northeastern University in 1922. Northeastern's commitment to providing education to working-class individuals persisted throughout its history, and it has become a well-regarded institution known for its experiential learning opportunities and commitment to social justice.

In the 1960s, Northeastern University began to focus more on co-op education, which allows students to alternate periods of classroom study with periods of paid, professional work experience. This approach has become a hallmark of Northeastern's educational philosophy and is still a major part of the University's curriculum. Co-op programs have been established in a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance. In recent years, Northeastern has continued to expand its academic offerings and research initiatives, becoming a top-tier research University with a global reputation for excellence.

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Where Does This Project Stand Now?

LeMessurier has been working with Northeastern University for many years, primarily in structural engineering. Recently, their enclosure group has been tasked with surveying the University's older buildings, which feature white-glazed brick and are an essential part of the Northeastern aesthetic. As with any building, renovations and maintenance are necessary to preserve the campus's appearance. LeMessurier is now surveying these buildings and providing design recommendations to the University in a hierarchical manner.

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About the Client LeMessurier

LeMessurier is a well-established, Boston-based firm that has been providing engineering and architecture solutions to clients for over 50 years. They are known for their innovative designs and attention to detail, which has helped them establish a reputation as one of the top engineering firms in the country.

Existing Conditions has partnered with LeMessurier on several 3D laser scanning projects, including Harvard University’s Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts & The Tozzer Library, a number of churches in Maine, and Portland's tallest 12-story building, where both drone and laser scanning were utilized. LeMessurier’s team was impressed with Existing Conditions' quick turnaround to deliver up-to-date drawings and overlay as-built conditions onto their models.

The firm is able to hand draw some of the ornamentations of historical buildings; however, they can now incorporate these details from 3D laser scan data. They are also able to extract 2D sections and details from the 3D model that Existing Conditions provides.

Existing Conditions' 3D laser scan data, combined with LeMessurier's on-site presence, effectively integrates traditional and modern architectural methods, providing a comprehensive understanding of the building's condition and renovation needs.

Overall, the continued partnership between LeMessurier and Existing Conditions demonstrates the value of integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional architecture and design practices. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to embrace new tools and methods to create resilient, sustainable, and beautiful buildings for future generations.

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Download e-Book on Northeastern University

Download our eBook to discover more about how 3D laser scanning technology can provide the necessary data to coordinate construction plans, reduce change orders, and save time.

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Existing Conditions 3D Laser Scanning Services

Existing Conditions has been selected to partner with some of the most high-profile and prestigious academic institutions in the United States. We have provided universities, colleges, schools, and campuses with high-quality, accurate as-built documentation to make intelligent decisions, mitigate risk, and avoid costly mistakes. Our partnership with Northeastern University and LeMessurier is one example.

Over the past 27 years, Existing Conditions has measured, documented, and modeled over 10,000 buildings, spanning over 700 million square feet, across the United States, establishing ourselves as an industry leader in 3D laser scanning.

Architects and engineers trust us to deliver digital representations of the as-built environment with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. Our dedicated Project Managers provide fast and accurate 3D laser scanning services and drone imagery services, and expert CAD and BIM technicians create custom, detailed deliverables, including point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, TruViews, and 3D virtual tours.

Our greatest reward remains delivering superior-quality scan-to-BIM work and knowing we played a vital role in our clients’ projects.

Contact us today for a free project estimate.